Legal
Can a New York Landlord Make Tenants Maintain Utility Lines?
A New York lease may try to shift utility line repairs to the tenant, but the warranty of habitability usually blocks it. Here's what I'd tell a new landlord.
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Blog
Automation, tax, and operations for hands-on landlords who run their own stack.
- Legal
Buyer Wants a Bedroom Door After Unconditional: Do I Have to Install It?
A buyer asked me to install an interior door after going unconditional on my rental sale. Here's why I said no and what the contract really requires.
- Legal
The Resident Landlord Exemption in a Victorian Conversion
A landlord living in another flat of a Victorian conversion asks if the resident landlord exemption applies. Separate entrances and council tax don't stop it, but an existing AST complicates things.
- Legal
Why Your Capital Improved Value Climbed While Property Prices Fell
Why your capital improved value can climb while sale prices drop, and whether objecting to the valuation is worth your time.
- Legal
What a Scottish Landlord Does When a Tenant Refuses Emergency Access for a Leak
A retired Scottish landlord walks through the steps: documenting the refusal, bringing a plumber as witness, shutting the stopcock, and claiming extra repair costs.
- Legal
When a Tenant Claims a Rent Reduction for an Unusable Bedroom
A tenant wants compensation because a bedroom was unusable for five months. Here's what VCAT considers, what 50% means, and how to avoid it.
- Legal
When Your Tenant Gives Notice, Stops Paying, and a Solicitor Writes
A tenant hands in notice, stops paying rent, and then a solicitor’s letter arrives. Here’s how I handle the warning shot, the arrears, and the exit.
- Legal
How Tenants Fight Inflated Deposit Deductions
A landlord's guide to the tenancy deposit protection dispute process: what tenants will ask for, how adjudicators decide, and the paperwork that wins.
- Legal
When a Will Says You Can Only Sell Inherited Land to Family
A retired property manager explains right of first refusal clauses and the step-up in basis tax break when a will restricts selling inherited land.
- Legal
One Tenant's Notice Ends the Whole Joint Tenancy
When one joint tenant gives valid notice, the whole tenancy ends. Here's what that means for rent liability, tenant swaps, and guarantor delays.
- Legal
When Your Tenant Gives Notice but Refuses to Move Out
A tenant gave notice but won't vacate and new tenants are due? Here's how I'd handle the mess in England, from mesne profits to not accepting rent, without losing my sanity.
- Legal
What to Do When a Prospective Tenant Trespasses Before Signing the Lease
A prospective tenant entered your rental without permission and now claims you had a deal. Here's how I protect myself—no signed lease, no payment, no binding agreement.
- Legal
Are Those New Council Fines Fair? A Retired Landlord's Honest Take
A retired UK landlord explains what the new council fines actually apply to, why law-abiding landlords have little to fear, and how to avoid triggering them.
- Legal
When Your Commercial Landlord Skips the Outgoings Reconciliation
A missing year-end outgoings reconciliation can mean you're overpaying or building a surprise debt. Here's how to request it and protect your cash flow.
- Legal
Can You Throw Away a Tenant's Belongings When They Stop Paying Rent?
A tenant left belongings behind after not paying rent. Throwing them away could make you legally liable. Here's what I'd do instead.
- Legal
Late Fees After a Landlord's Address Change Without Notice: Who's Responsible?
Landlord changes payment address without telling tenant? Late fees and eviction threats can follow. Here's what the lease usually says and why notification matters.
- Legal
Can a Tenant Sue You for Only Accepting Cash Rent? My Take as a Retired PM
Tenant threatened to sue over cash-only rent? Here's what I told a new landlord about vague promises, damages, and resolving payment method disputes.
- Legal
Am I Bound to a Lease I Signed Under Pressure After a Subletting Dispute?
When a landlord pressures you into signing a new lease after claiming you sublet without permission—even though you had it—you might be able to void it. Here's what I've learned about duress and lease disputes.
- Legal
Landlord Entry for Painting in Brooklyn NYC: What’s the Notice Requirement?
As a retired property manager, I break down when and how a landlord can enter a Brooklyn rental for non-emergency painting. Learn the required notice, best practices, and how to avoid tenant pushback.
- Legal
Do You Have to Tell Tenants About a Property's Dark History?
Wondering if you have to tell tenants about a property's dark past? State laws vary on disclosing deaths, crimes, and stigmatized events. Here's what every DIY landlord should know.
- Legal
Can a Landlord Ask About a Tenant's Relationship Status?
Can landlords ask about relationship status? Short answer: usually no. Learn why it’s a fair housing violation and how to screen tenants the right way.
- Legal
Security Deposit Disputes: Can You Add New Deductions After the Tenant Complains?
Once you send that itemized security deposit statement, can you tack on additional deductions if the tenant pushes back? A retired property manager explains why the answer is usually no—and how to avoid mistakes.
- Legal
Who Pays When the Washing Machine Breaks in a Furnished German Rental?
I'm not a lawyer, but here's what I learned managing properties: In Germany, large appliances in a furnished rental are the landlord's responsibility. A contract clause saying otherwise might not hold up.
- Legal
Why Demanding Your Tenant’s Keys During Long Trips Is a Bad Idea
A retired property manager explains why demanding your tenant’s keys when they travel likely violates quiet enjoyment and what to do instead for emergencies. Not legal advice.
- Legal
German Landlord Rights: Handling Rent Reductions and Non-Payment
Learn your rights as a German landlord when a tenant unilaterally reduces rent. I share my experience with legal steps, termination rules, and eviction.
- Legal
Can a Landlord Move Into a Unit While the Tenant Still Pays Rent?
A retired property manager explains the tricky legality of a landlord living in a rental unit that a tenant still pays for, covering abandonment, constructive eviction, and the duty to mitigate damages.
